If you’re trying to move your Cyberpunk 2077 installation folder to a different location but encountering the error message “Can’t Move Cyberpunk Install Folder Already Exists,” you’re not alone. This issue often arises when using game platforms like Steam, GOG, or the Epic Games Store to manage game installations. Fortunately, it’s a common problem with a straightforward solution.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to fix the issue and successfully move your Cyberpunk 2077 install folder.
Contents of Post
What Causes the ‘Can’t Move Cyberpunk Install Folder Already Exists’ Error?
This error typically appears when you try to move the Cyberpunk 2077 game folder from one directory to another, but the target location already contains a folder with the same name or structure. This may happen if you’re trying to move the game to another drive, but the game client (like GOG Galaxy, Steam, or Epic Games) detects that the folder is already there, or there’s some mismatch between the folder data and game settings.
Steps to Fix the Error:
1. Ensure the Target Folder Is Empty
Before moving the game folder, double-check that the target directory where you want to move Cyberpunk 2077 is empty or contains no existing game folder. If there’s a folder with the same name, the game launcher may be confused and prevent the transfer.
- Navigate to the location you want to move the game to.
- Ensure the folder doesn’t already contain any game data or installation files.
- If there is a pre-existing folder, rename or delete it.
2. Verify the Integrity of Game Files (for Steam or GOG)
Both Steam and GOG allow you to verify the integrity of game files, and this can help ensure there are no missing or corrupted files preventing the move.
- Steam:
- Open Steam and go to your Library.
- Right-click Cyberpunk 2077 and select Properties.
- Go to the Local Files tab and click Verify Integrity of Game Files.
- GOG:
- Open the GOG Galaxy client.
- Select Cyberpunk 2077 from your library.
- Click the three dots (settings) next to the game and choose Manage Installation > Verify/Repair.
Verifying the files ensures that everything is in order, and it could resolve the folder conflict.
3. Use the ‘Move Install Folder’ Option in the Game Launcher
Both Steam and GOG offer built-in options to move the installation folder to another drive. These options are typically safer and can prevent conflicts.
- Steam:
- Open Steam and go to Settings > Downloads > Steam Library Folders.
- Add the new directory where you want the game to be installed.
- Then, right-click on Cyberpunk 2077 in your Library and select Properties > Local Files > Move Install Folder.
- Select the new Steam library location and allow the move to complete.
- GOG:
- In the GOG Galaxy client, go to Settings > Downloads > Game Installations.
- Select the target location where you want to move Cyberpunk 2077.
- Move the game folder by using the “Move” button available in the settings.
This method is more seamless and should bypass the “Already Exists” error, as it’s handled by the platform itself.
4. Manually Move the Folder (if Needed)
If the built-in options fail, you can try manually moving the game folder and then directing the game client to its new location.
- First, ensure that the game client (Steam, GOG, or Epic) is closed.
- Copy (don’t cut) the entire Cyberpunk 2077 folder to the new location.
- If you’ve moved it using Windows Explorer or Finder, you may need to update the game’s file path in the launcher:
- Open your game launcher and find Cyberpunk 2077.
- Click on the game and choose Properties or Settings.
- Point the launcher to the new location of the game folder (in some clients, you may need to use the “Locate” option).
This method can also fix any issues if the folder itself exists but is inaccessible or improperly linked to the launcher.
5. Reinstall the Game (if All Else Fails)
If none of the above steps resolve the issue, your final option is to reinstall the game:
- Uninstall Cyberpunk 2077 through your game client.
- Once the game is uninstalled, delete the installation folder from your drive (be sure to back up any saved data, if necessary).
- Reinstall the game directly to the new location.
Although reinstalling can be time-consuming, it ensures the game files are correctly placed in the right directory without conflicts.
Conclusion
The “Can’t Move Cyberpunk Install Folder Already Exists” error is frustrating but fixable. By following the above steps — ensuring the target folder is clear, verifying the game files, or using built-in launcher options — you should be able to move your Cyberpunk 2077 installation without encountering further issues.
In most cases, using the platform’s own folder management tools (like Steam’s or GOG’s folder-move options) will save you time and hassle, but manually moving and updating the installation path is also an effective workaround.
If you continue to have trouble, reinstalling the game is always a last resort that guarantees the installation is properly configured.
Happy gaming, and enjoy your time in Night City!